In search of meaning, urban 20-somethings in Japan are migrating to the countryside to live with or near their grandparents.

“I don’t have to ride a packed train. I work less overtime. I feel like my life has become richer,” says Taro Nakazawa, 24, who recently moved from Chigasaki, a mid-sized city, to Hokuto, the farming town where his paternal grandparents live.

Taro is living with his grandparents and working for the local tourism bureau.

“I’m enjoying living with him because he makes our home lively,” says his grandpa, who’s 89.

“She doesn’t have much time left, so I didn’t even have to think about the decision to take her to prom,” says Stephen Vigil, 17, of Fredericksburg, Virginia. “I’m so glad we’ll both have these memories.”